There is a really easy way to make a 4WD without having to spend very much. I used a remote control, so there was no need for the electronics. I also used continuous rotation servos instead of motors. It also saves you the money of buying the scorpion motor control. The base I made out of two add-on decks with servo mountings for the 4WD 1. I screwed two of the hex standoffs (that came with the decks) in two of the holes on the end of the decks to connect them together. Then I used the E-Z servo brackets and the rivet fasteners that came with them to mount the servos onto the robot. To make the robot interesting, I added a L5 arm to it. The only other materials than the 2 decks, E-Z servo brackets, and (optional) L5 arm, that I used were (obviously) 4 servo wheels and 2 “Y” cables to control the right side and the left side wheels (2 channels instead of 4).
Hmmm… interesting.
What kind of speed were you getting with those continuous rotation servos?
Can you post a pic of the bot itself?
(It’s a bit hard to visualize how you made it.)
I sacrificed speed for torque on the continuous rotation servos. They move fast enough to get around, but not as fast as most battlebots. I am planning to get a motor controller to hook up to the receiver, to make the robot go faster. I will get a picture of it as soon as possible.
I think that the speed for torque sacrifice is a good one.
When I was building battlebots for my Tech class in high school, I noticed that speed was usually more hindering than helpful.
Speed is only helpful when you’ve got a bit of area to move around in, and are able to control it precisely.
I’m not sure you got the most bang for your buck, though, when opting for servos over motors.
You can get 4000+ oz-in planetary motors at around the same price of the continual rotation servos (which are, I believe 47 oz-in).
With that kind of torque… well, if you grabbed the output shaft with a pair of vicegrips in one hand, and the motor itself with another pair in the other hand, it should be enough torque to break your wrists.
Now, there is the whole issue of carrying more batteries to supply those needed 12 volts; but, when your torque is more than 100 times what your using now, pulling a few more ounces in batteries isn’t really going to be factored in.
